How often do you think about falafel? Maybe once every few months, you feel the need for a semi-healthy, but not really healthy lunch and make the trip to Joe’s. This was our falafel M.O. for a long time. Until we met Kismet Falafel. Now, we’re constantly plotting excuses to get downtown to inhale the fried chickpea balls. This is falafel worth driving across town for.

Traffic ticket? Sure, we’ll pay it in person at the courthouse. Friends in town? Better show them Broadway and make a stop at Grand Central Market, home of Kismet Falafel. Finally getting a ticket to The Broad? More Kismet Falafel.

Once you get to Grand Central Market, grab one of the few counter seats. The falafel come either on a salad or in a sandwich, but for first timers, you’re going to want to go sandwich. The falafel are a little smaller than those you’re used to, and there are no herbs or anything in the mix, making it all about the crunchy-on-the-outside-smooth-on-the-inside texture. The sandwich is rounded out by super fresh vegetables and ridiculously good flatbread, which might actually be the real stars of the show.

Benji Dell

Basically, this falafel isn’t anything like what you’ve had at Joe’s, or that little Middle Eastern store in a strip mall. There’s no tabbouleh, and no precariously thin pita. Kismet Falafel gives falafel the makeover we didn’t know it needed, and it’s become our must-hit spot in GCM. Not only because it’s truly awesome falafel, but because it’s some of the best food in town, full stop.

What’s that, you have a meeting downtown and your car’s in the shop? Sure, we’ll drive you.

Food Rundown

Green

This is our favorite combo. Tangy pickled fennel and cauliflower aren’t your usual falafel suspects, but this guy proves that they probably should be. If you’re going to order one thing, make it this.

Red

As close as you’re going to get to a traditional falafel, but something so much more.

Sumac-Beet Soda

Stay with us - you’ve never had a soda this good. It tastes of beets, but it also doesn’t, and the sumac brings an unexpected complexity. So refreshing, it’s like giving your tastebuds a cold shower.

Go Big

If you’ve brought a buddy, go for this sample style board. You’ll be building your own wraps or salads, mixing and matching with all the imaginative toppings the kitchen throws out. Order some extra flatbread though - you will need it.